Preparing augmented reality learning content should be easy: UNED ARLE - an authoring tool for augmented reality learning environments

The purpose of this study was to investigate how an augmented reality learning environment system (UNED ARLE) can be used both by teachers and students to add virtual content into educational resources and how can it serve as a tool for acquiring knowledge, motivating and encouraging students. UNED ARLE is used to add contextualized virtual content (3D objects, animated 3D objects, videos, sound files and images) and the accompanying descriptions or narratives into printed material, thereby enriching existing content without any programming skills. This study recruited 44 students of advanced and intermediate cycles of vocational training and two teachers. It analyses UNED ARLE by examining the interaction between teachers and the system and by comparing the results of two groups of students. The study concludes that the students who used UNED ARLE show significantly better learning achievements compared to the traditional system. In regards to the teachers, the study shows that incorporating multimedia resources into augmented reality is directly influenced by their knowledge of this technology, due to the difficulty of developing new virtual objects.